It’s that time of year when parents are sending their kids back to school. If you’re looking for a car, either as a parent or a student, here’s the top ten most affordable options right now. Most of these are available for payments at around $500 a month or so, depending on variables like credit score and location.
We are listing these cars by manufacturer’s suggested retail (MSRP) and are not including destination charges, which usually range from $1,000 to $1,500.
2025 Nissan Versa ($21,130) – The Versa has long been the lowest-cost vehicle in the U.S. This compact sedan (there is also a hatchback version) offers lots of safety equipment and a simple A-to-B design. This year, Nissan dropped the manual transmission (which was imported) due to tariffs, so the even lower-cost (sub-$20k) version is no more.
2025 Hyundai Venue ($21,650) – The lowest-cost Hyundai you can get, this one comes with a long warranty and a useful hatchback style. Its compact size and interior space, but for a low cost and efficient A-B car, it’s a great option.
2025 Kia Soul ($21,885) – Probably the most youthful car on our list, the look and appeal of the Soul (not to mention it’s great interior feel) are big draws. The base model is nothing super special beyond those qualities, though, and like most of these entry level options, the engine is not going to win any races.
2025 Chevrolet Trax ($21,895) – Strongly competing in the compact crossover/SUV market, the Trax is a pretty dynamic vehicle in look and feel. It’s not sporty or fun in its base configuration, but it’s definitely a looker with a good drive dynamic.
2025 Nissan Sentra ($22,730) – For those who want something a little larger than the Versa and with a little more sophistication, the Sentra is a perfect upgrade. It looks more upscale than it actually is, but that’s a good thing.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play ($22,910) – If SUV styling is more what’s wanted, Nissan also has the Kicks, which is basically the Sentra in crossover format. This is the previous-generation Kicks, hence it’s smaller price tag, but with a few updates.
2025 Kia K4 ($23,165) – One of our favorite compact cars on the market, the K4 replaces the Forte. With an upscale, dynamic design and a great feel on the road, the K4 punches upward. It’s not fast or furious, but it’s definitely more premium than most of the vehicles we’ve mentioned so far.
2025 Nissan Kicks ($23,220) – This new-generation Kicks adds several things to the vehicle to make it more appealing compared to the previous-gen. While the Play above is last year’s model with some tweaks, the new-gen Kicks has huge amounts of updates and upgrades.
2025 Hyundai Elantra ($23,320) – Sculpted and beautiful, the Elantra is the best example of Hyundai’s “Z” bodywork design. Its interior is larger than its exterior would imply and it’s received extremely high safety marks. There’s a lot of value in this budget sedan.
2025 Toyota Corolla ($23,545) – Easily the most fuel efficient vehicle on our list here, the Corolla should be bought as a hybrid by default. This is the cheapest Toyota available today, but you wouldn’t know it by the way it looks. This is the benchmark for A-to-B car options and there’s a reason for that.
Honorable Mention: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta ($23,720) – We bring this one up because it’s one of the few entry-level cars that still offers a manual transmission in its base model. Making it one of the most fun to drive, even with its low-output engine. The Jetta has a roomy back seat, good trunk space, and a great European look about it.
